Becoming a parent is an amazing experience and a wonderful goal to have. But as with any big life change, it can be hard to feel like yourself again. This is especially true if you find that your body has changed a lot after pregnancy and childbirth. Dads also sometimes struggle with changes to their routine and their lifestyle.
While it’s important to accept that your life has changed, you don’t need to suffer with low self esteem now that you’re a parent. Here are a few ways to take back some of that confidence. This is a partnered post.
Your Sleep Schedule
It is hard to feel like yourself when you’re sleep deprived. Unfortunately, one of the most common experiences that all parents have is a lack of sleep. Newborn babies only sleep a couple of hours at a time before needing feeding, which means that you also only sleep a couple of hours at a time.
You also have other priorities and responsibilities, all of which can be draining. Yes, your child will sleep better as they get older, but it’s still hard to get back into a good routine.
You should prioritize your sleep as this is the best way to prioritize your health. When your baby is young, try to have naps when you can to catch up on lost sleep. As they get older, make sure you have good sleep hygiene so you can restore your normal routine.
Mental Health and Your Social Life
Sleep will help with your physical and mental health, but sometimes you need some extra help.
When you become a parent, everything else takes a step back in your priorities. You might feel overwhelmed and you might find that you’re neglecting other parts of your life that don’t include working and parenting.
It’s vital that you have time to yourself and that you have some fun time. Go on dates with your significant other, spend time with your friends with and without your children around, and give yourself chances to talk to other adults and ask for support when you need it.
Keeping Fit
When you first have a baby, it can be hard to keep up with your fitness routine. You might lose some strength and stamina, but don’t lose heart.
Whether you’re trying to regain your fitness levels or you’re trying to get fit for the first time after becoming a parent, make sure that you set realistic goals and create a regular routine. You can work out as a parent, the trick is creating a schedule that fits in with the rest of your life.
Your Appearance
Improving your health and getting fit will change your appearance, but you can’t deny that your body changes when you become a parent. Some mothers can spring back to their pre-pregnancy bodies, or they might be able to adjust to their new normal.
If you find it hard to be confident, consider a mommy makeover procedure. If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery, it’s best to wait until after your family is completed so you can enjoy the results for as long as possible.
The most important thing is that you’re comfortable with your own appearance.